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Vernon County Board unanimously adopts resolution condemning political violence after two friendly amendments
Summary
The board passed Resolution 2025-49 condemning political violence and urging public officials to avoid inflammatory rhetoric; the measure was amended to remove party labels and to explicitly affirm free‑speech rights and include elected officials and their families.
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 2025-49 condemning political violence and calling on elected and public officials to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric. The resolution was introduced from the floor and carried unanimous support after two friendly amendments.
Supervisor Wade opened floor remarks, citing recent shootings and a pattern of dehumanizing rhetoric that he said makes political activity and public participation less safe. "These threats make it more dangerous for anyone who might ever attend a political rally or event," Wade said, urging the board to act without delay.
Board members proposed and approved two amendments. The first removed partisan wording—deleting a clause that named "both Republican and Democratic" figures—and added an explicit reaffirmation of the constitutional right to free speech. The second amendment expanded the resolution's protected class to include "elected officials and members of their families." Both amendments passed by voice vote, and the final resolution then passed unanimously.
State Rep. Tara Johnson, participating remotely, told the board she appreciated the resolution and the message it sends to other officials to temper rhetoric.
The board recorded the passage by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion was brought to the floor by Nathaniel, seconded by Patrick, and that the vote was taken after amendment votes were completed. No enforcement mechanism or sanctions were attached to the resolution; it was presented as a public statement of values and expectation for elected and political figures.
